Mets middle infielder Luis Guillorme had a rough rookie season with the team. While receiving sporadic at-bats and playing time, he’d struggle at the plate hitting .209/.284/.239 (53 wRC+). This left Guillorme something to prove in 2019.
Guillorme has noticeably put work in this offseason. So far this Spring, Guillorme’s hard work this offseason is translating to quality at-bats and production. That includes striking gold against Cardinals pitcher Daniel Ponce De Leon:
Luis Guillorme frequently goes oppo, but it's great to see the additional power. #Mets pic.twitter.com/fd9D4Ha49H
— Jacob Resnick (@Jacob_Resnick) March 3, 2019
It’s worth noting in his professional career, Ponce De Leon has been able to keep the ball in the ballpark with a career 0.4 HR/9. In 33.0 innings in the majors last year, Ponce De Leon yielded a 0.5 HR/9.
It should also be noted Guillorme does go the other way quite well. It’s part of his contract oriented approach. It’s an approach which has led to Guillorme not hitting for much power. At least on Sunday, that was not the case.
That impressive opposite field home run is part of a terrific start to Guillorme’s Spring. Including the home run, and with Guillorme is 6-for-12 with a double, the aforementioned homer, and two walks. So far, Guillorme does look like a better hitter at the plate. If so, we may very well see him get another shot to prove himself at the Major League level at some point in 2019.
